When a patient’s primary physical therapist is unavailable or on leave, an interruption in access can disrupt a patient’s path to recovery. Currently, services provided by a substitute physical therapist are only reimbursed in certain rural or medically underserved areas, which prevents many beneficiaries from receiving therapy during a temporary provider absence.

Bipartisan lawmakers in Congress have thankfully introduced two companion bills that would extend the use of locum tenens arrangements for physical therapists, referring to the ability for a regular provider to bill Medicare for the services provided by a substitute physical therapist. H.R.1517 and S. 2225 would extend these locum tenens arrangements to all Medicare beneficiaries, regardless of the geographic area or population served. 

This legislation would guarantee consistent access to physical and occupational therapy services during a temporary provider absence, eliminating care interruptions and simplifying administrative billing. 

Please use the message on the right to contact your Senate and House lawmakers to urge support for extended locum tenens arrangements for all physical therapists.